In a remarkable display of regional solidarity and humanitarian leadership, the Indian Embassy in Iran has announced that citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka will also be evacuated from Iran under Operation Sindhu, India’s ongoing rescue mission amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
"On request of the Governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka, the Indian Embassy’s evacuation efforts in Iran will also cover citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka," the Indian Embassy said in an official post on X.
The announcement comes as Indian authorities continue to evacuate their nationals from the conflict zone, with over 517 Indian citizens already brought back safely since Operation Sindhu began on June 19.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the development and also released dedicated helpline numbers for affected Nepali and Sri Lankan nationals stranded in Iran. They can now reach out to the Indian Embassy via Telegram or the following emergency contacts: +98 9010144557 | +98 9128109115 | +98 9128109109
On Friday night, another batch of Indian evacuees—including students, workers, and religious pilgrims—arrived in New Delhi, marking a successful round of airlifts from Iran and Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
"#OperationSindhu flight brings citizens home. India evacuated 290 Indian nationals from Iran... The flight arrived in New Delhi at 23:30 hrs on 20 June and was received by Secretary (CPV & OIA) Arun Chatterjee," wrote MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
In another update, Jaiswal added:
"A special evacuation flight from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan landed in New Delhi at 03:00 hrs on 21 June, bringing more Indians from Iran home. So far, 517 Indian nationals have been safely returned."
India has also extended formal gratitude to the Government of Iran for facilitating the evacuation process amidst the heightened military tensions in the region.
The inclusion of Nepali and Sri Lankan citizens under Operation Sindhu is being widely applauded as a gesture of goodwill and regional cooperation, reflecting India's commitment to “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the ancient Indian principle that “the world is one family.”
